(in Polish) Isotope geochemistry and geochronology - ZIP 1300-WIGG
This course is offered within the University of Warsaw Integrated Development Programme, co-financed from the European Social Fund under the Operational Programme Knowledge Education Development 2014-2020, path 3.5.
The course will be held in a form of stationary lectures (or online lectures). Hands-on training for participants (in small groups) will be carried out on modern equipment available at the Faculty of Geology (SEM and EPMA).
The following topics will be discussed during the course:
1. Basics of isotope geochemistry: isotopes, radioactivity, radioactive decay constant, radioactive and stable isotopes, etc.
2. Modern investigation methods of isotope: thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), inductively coupled plasma-mass-spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and their application in geochronology, main minerals-geochronometers.
3. Definition of an isochron, initial isotope values, ‘model ages’, age determination by the isochron method, estimation of the validity of an isochron.
4. Age determination by the Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd and Lu-Hf methods. The petrological implication of Sr and Nd isotope ratio/ εSr and εNd values. Mantle and crustal reservoirs.
5. ‘Isoplot’ program - calculation of initial values, isochrons and model ages. Hands-on training based on real geological cases.
6. Re-Os methods - dating of sulfide deposits, K-Ar and Ar-Ar methods of dating - their advantages and limitations.
7. U-Th-Pb isotope system. Concordia and Discordia ages, upper and lower intercepts, correction for common Pb. Interpretation of the obtained ages. Metamict zircons. Inherited zircons.
8. Calculation and interpretation of U-Th-Pb ages. Hands-on training based on real examples.
9. Pb-Pb isochron ages and Pb model ages. Galena model ages. ‘Plumbotectonics’. Mantle and crustal reservoirs.
10. Dating of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks - examples.
11. Application of various radiogenic isotopes for petrological studies.
Type of course
Prerequisites (description)
Learning outcomes
Students will acquire knowledge of the basic terminology related to isotope geochemistry and geochronology. Participants will learn when and how to use individual isotope systems, what are the pros and cons of each method. By the end of the semester, they will be able to carry out self-studies on the measuring equipment available at the Faculty of Geology. Newly gained skills will allow them to read and interpret research publications and, in future, write their own manuscripts.
The student:
- can use basic research terms related to isotope geochemistry and geochronology
- knows and understands processes of rocks origin and evolution in different geological environments
- knows the basic and advanced isotope methods discussed during the course, knows the pros and cons of each method
- can search, analyse, evaluate, select and use information about isotope systems in books and publications
- knows computer programs used for geological processes modelling and interpreting geochronological results
- can independently interpret the results and draw conclusions
- discuss and comprehend publications using specialist terminology related to isotope geochemistry and geochronology
- knows the working principle of the measuring equipment used in geochronological and petrological research
- can independently work on modern equipment, available at the Faculty of Geology, which is used in mineralogical and petrological research
- can work in a team and communicate using the specialized terminology for the isotope geochemistry and geochronology
Assessment criteria
Evaluation will be based on activity and presence, and on the final written control work
Practical placement
not applicable
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: